Bistro Newsletter

Michael, Brisket & I spent this last beautiful Sunday floating down the Pine River (near Cadillac). I’ve never done a fall trip, and the weather and colors did not disappoint. We rented a raft from our friends over at Pine River Paddlesport Center, where we were dropped off at Dobson Bridge. If you’ve ever paddled with your spouse, especially in a raft, you know something about communication or lack of. I first fell in love with Michael on the Pine twenty-eight years ago and every time we float down, I’m reminded why. I consider us good paddlers, but this trip and vessel truly proved I’ve picked the right life partner. Paddling a boat together is challenging and a raft even more, as you need to paddle at the same time to really keep it straight and away from the banks. Communication, paying attention to each other physically and listening while relinquishing control are some of the keys to a smooth river trip. I’m proud to say how well we managed to get down the river, we were quite a team. This was the first trip Michael and I have ever paddled alone. I LOVED it. The river was completely quiet. We were able to see the local Eagle twice on our journey; we saw two deer drinking from the river and the sky never had a cloud in it. The sunlight bounced off the river’s rapids and the spring water flowing into the river was audible throughout the day. Mother nature at her finest! We stopped along the river a few times, Brisket loved to get out and get her feet wet but she was content staying dry (thankfully). I brought along a Mediterranean Chicken Wrap for lunch, and we enjoyed soaking up the warm sun along the riverbank. We stopped at our usual campground, Coolwaters, to say hi to a few friends who had been camping all weekend. The campground was decorated with over 150 carved pumpkins, I bet it was a site to see at night.


We paddled for about three hours, down to Peterson Bridge where we earlier dropped our car and made our way to the cabin at Coyote Crossing, just an eight-minute drive from the river. This resort is set on 50 acres backing up to the National Manistee Forest with a full-service restaurant and access to over 300 miles of trails for ATVs and snowmobiles. We opted to cook for ourselves where I made Halibut, Spinach & Lentils in Red Wine. The cabin was clean and cozy, not a lot of supplies or utensils in the kitchen, I think it is more of a place to sleep and eat vs gathering with friends. It has a man vibe to it… simple and sufficient. We finished our perfect day with a warm fire in the firepit and a great bottle of wine. Oh… and I kicked Miachel’s butt in Canasta.


Homemade Lox and Bubbles for breakfast, I even managed to read a few chapters before we checked out and walked a bit of the trails before driving home. A stop in Frankenmuth and a great lunch at Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie. Amazing Ham & Grilled Cheese Sammie with a flight of wines made for a perfect ending to a perfect trip.

Cheers,
Sharon